FORGET OVERNIGHT CHANGE THIS NEW YEAR
Setting SMART Goals That Work
With the new year approaching, many of us are thinking about the 20 pounds we want to shed, the habits we hope to kick, and the financial stability we want to achieve. New Year’s resolutions and personal commitments to improve our lives are easy to make but much harder to keep without a plan. You don’t need to become an overnight fitness expert or switch to a vegan diet in a day to achieve your dreams for 2026. You just need to be “SMART” about planning your goals. SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound; they are a blueprint to accomplish your resolutions. You must be specific about what you are trying to do. Take one of the most common resolutions: weight loss. Decide how many pounds you want to lose, let’s say 20. If you aim to do this in four months, that’s measurable. Is it achievable? Absolutely. Is it relevant? Yes, it’s something you want. Is it timely? If you’ve come up with a reasonable time frame, like four months, it certainly is. I think 30-day goals are a great way to break down what you’re working on into pieces. Thinking about those 20 pounds in four months means losing 5 pounds every 30 days. Next, think about how you’re going to do that. Are you going to the gym? Changing the way you eat? Cutting out alcohol? There are three solid steps you are going to take to make that resolution happen this year.
Create a plan you can actually abide by. Most
people can’t actually start going to a spin class every day at 5 a.m., and you don’t need to. Maybe you can take
three classes a week at a gym close by and convenient to you. If three is unrealistic with your schedule and life, commit to what you can.
I encourage fitness newbies to find a class that will be fun for them. If you like light routines, go to a BodyPump class. If you love to dance, Zumba is a great option. If you want something mellow, try a yoga or Pilates class. Our community has Stone Mountain Park, and groups of all fitness levels join for hikes there. Our bodies like to move, so your body will enjoy doing something. Be kind to yourself through the process. You won’t walk into any class as an expert, and the teacher doesn’t expect you to. If anyone at the gym is sneering at you, they’re just not nice, and you don’t need to pay attention to them. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks. Frankly, no one at the gym is looking because we’re all busy looking at ourselves. It’s okay if you miss a day or even a week, just get back to it when you can. The best exercise is literally the one you will do. You don’t need to be radical. If you have a glass of wine three days a week, cut it down to Saturdays. You don’t have to go from carnivore to plant eater. Just find things you can cook quickly, easily, and healthier than you were. A coach can help you stay on track, whether for business, fitness, or personal goals. A coach is an excellent investment in yourself because they will hold you accountable and help you set those SMART goals. They’re going to encourage you, too. Getting healthy is a wonderful goal to set this year. You can also consider increasing your savings, setting your tax plan, spending more time with friends, committing to less social media, or kicking a bad habit like smoking. No matter what your resolution is this year, breaking it down into manageable steps and setting SMART goals will help you achieve it. Progress, not perfection, counts as you build a healthier, happier life.
2 • 404-559-8325
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator